News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

News You Can Use
(and where to find it)

More re: Human Trafficking

From The Polaris Project (https://polarisproject.org)
>>  Understanding the federal law …. Action-Means-Purpose (AMP) Model:
Human trafficking occurs when a perpetrator, (the trafficker), takes an Action, and then employs the Means of force, fraud or coercion for the Purpose of compelling the victim to provide commercial sex acts or labor or services. At a minimum, one element from each category must be present to establish a potential situation of human trafficking.
Action = Induce, Recruits, Harbors, Transport, Provides, or Obtains
Means** = Force, Fraud, or Coercion
Purpose = Commercial Sex (Sex Trafficking) or Labor/Service (Labor Trafficking
**Minors induced into commercial sex are human trafficking victims – regardless if force, fraud or coercion is present.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
O  The Parma Heights PACT (Police & Community Together) Youth Group:
      >>  The group’s  next bi-weekly meeting is scheduled for 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Tuesday, Feb 4th, at Cassidy Theater. The meeting’s discussion topic will be today’s “Vaping”.
      >>  All area students ages 12 -17 are welcome to join. For announcements & detailed information visit the PACT Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/parmaheights.police; email: pactunit@gmail.com; ph: 440.884.1235.
     
O  From the Literacy Cooperative-Imagination Library….As recently featured in the Plain Dealer, children from birth to 5 years of age, living in Cuyahoga County can now receive a brand new, age appropriate book, mailed directly to them each month. Funded by sponsors, organizations & individual donors the program is designed to instill a love of books & to facilitate/encourage family reading from an early age. Go here to register your child, learn more and/or to donate:  https://www.literacycooperative.org/imagination-library/

O  From Parma Early Childhood PTA (PECPTA)….If you’re looking for a Preschool for your child than plan on attending their open-to-the public Preschool Showcase on Tuesday, February 18th at Shiloh M.S., 2303 Grantwood Dr., beginning at 7:00 pm. Visit www.pecpta.org for more information.

O  From the Parma Education Foundation….Save The Date – Sunday, February 16th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm for tubing fun at Polar Blast in Northfield (Brandywine Ski Center). All proceeds to benefit Parma City Schools. The discounted cost is $23 for the 3 hour session and you must register at https://tinyurl.com/ParmaTubing . Call Nancy Fedak at 440.655.8224 or Rick Meeks at 440.897.4113 with questions.

O  From the Educ Svc. Center of NE Ohio….The 22nd Annual Summer Camp & Beyond Fair for children & youth w/disabilities is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15th from 10: am – 1:00 pm at Woodside Event Center, 5025 Mill Rd, Broadview Hts. This is a huge, expo style event popular with districts, families & students alike. Go to http://www.esc-cc.org/, click on the event graphic & follow the links for more information.

O  From Parma Council of PTA’s:….
      >>  Their popular $30,  2 day Babysitter Training Course for 6th, 7th & 8th grade students of the Parma City School District is scheduled for Sat., March 7th & Sat., Mar. 14th, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, at Parma Sr. H.S  Visit https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pcpta-babysitting-course for more information and to register.
      >>  The Annual Kalahari PTA Family Night & Fundraiser will be coming up on Thursday, Mar. 19th. The special rate for this event is $139. Go here for details & booking information: https://tinyurl.com/PTA-Kalahari

O  From Aspire Greater Cleveland….offers FREE year-round classes for adults seeking GED® /HSE Test Preparation, Adult Basic Education, English Language/Civics Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). BEGINNING IN JANUARY they’ll be offering a GED® /HSE class w/a Microsoft Office Certification component AT THE PARMA LIBRARY. For additional information call 1-833-ASPIRE2 or visit their website at www.aspiregreatercleveland.com.

O  From “All of Her Design”….Nominations for the 3rd Annual Best of Parma closed on January 31st; the voting window opened on Feb 1st & ends March 1st. Winners will be announced on March 6th.  Go here www.bestofparma.org to nominate/vote for your favorite.

O  From Parma Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC):
      >>  Will be hosting the Annual State of The Schools Luncheon on Thursday, Feb, 27th at the Parma Sr.H.S. Red Reese Room. Tickets are $20; register at: www.parmaareachamber.org
      >>  Save-The-Date….Sat. March 14th. Plan on attending & recognizing local PRIDE award winners at this year’s Roaring 20’s Gala being held at the Metropark Zoo’s Stillwater Place.  

O  From Parma City Schools:
      >>  Strategic Consolidation: Visitwww.parmacityschools.org/masterplan to view related documents and to register your interest in supporting implementation. 
      >>  Community Walking Program: This new program invites residents of Parma, Parma Hts. and Seven Hills to walk in the three PCSD high school buildings two nights a week (Monday & Thursday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (except during school breaks) thru mid-April. Open Swimming is now available for residents of Parma, Parma Hts. & Seven Hills at Parma & Valley Forge H.S.  Click here: https://www.parmacityschools.org/Page/8800 for details on both these programs.
      >>  Be a Project More reading mentor for a third grader. Go here for details about the initiative: https://www.parmacityschools.org/cms/lib8/OH01914497/Centricity/Domain/1339/Project-More-Fact-Sheet.pdf then call the nearest elementary school & tell them you’d like to volunteer.     
      >>  Take advantage of “Donuts wth Dr. Smialek”, a once-a-month opportunity for a donut, coffee & an informal conversation with the Superintendent. The next couple of sessions are 8:00 am, Mon, Feb. 3rd, at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 6919 Ridge Rd.& 8:00 am, Mon., Mar. 2nd at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 7422 Broadview Rd.
      
O  From PCSD Connects (formally CBS Connects):
      >>  Go here: http://pcsdconnects.org/for information regarding: workforce development related programs, tours  of local businesses, college-related information and assistance and special events, i.e.: Entrepreneur Day** with links to connect directly w/school counselors.  And, if you’re looking for employment check out their Job Board at: http://pcsdconnects.org/employment-opportunities/
      >>  **The 2nd Annual PSCD Young Entrepreneur Day for students in grades 3 – 6 is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th at Normandy H.S. Interested students must register at www.pcsdcon­nects.org  by February 14th. Once registered, students can download a workbook and curriculum to help cultivate their idea and prepare it for competition.

O  From the Parma Area Family Collab: (Parkview Elem., 5210 Loya Pkwy – next to Parma Sr. H.S.)
      >>  The Collab is now working with the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland and their "Food Rescue Program". The Hunger Network collects close-dated and surplus food from area grocery stores (like Giant Eagle) and retail shops (like Starbucks). Announcements will be posted when food is received; distribution is on a first come/first served basis. All information will be posted to the Collab’s FaceBook account and website www.familycollaborative.com
      >>  Volunteers are still needed…..the Clothing Center, every Thursday from 2 – 4 pm and other special programs, i.e.: Belle of the Ball, Back to Schools Supply Drive, Coats for Kids, Holiday events, others. Call or visit web site.
     >>  If you need assistance for yourself or your family or looking for area resources call the Collab at 440.887.4873 or visit their web site at https://familycollaborative.com

O  From the Parma Area MyCom Neighborhood (PAMN):
      >>  Qadriyyah Sultan our new PAMN Coordinator has hit the ground running, meeting w/a number of organizations, youth groups & community influencers.  If you’re affiliated in any way w/a youth-serving organization please reach out to her at 216-749-9413 or by email at qsultan@cuyahogalibrary.org.  And, watch for her column appearing in the Parma Observer.     

O  From the Parma-Snow Library:
      >>  Go here: https://tinyurl.com/CCPL-Parma-SnowCalendar to display their event calendar for the current month.
      >>  Homework Help – We offer free after-school homework help to students in grades K – 8, Monday – Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM.  Learn more at cuyahogalibrary.org/homework.
      >>  Kids Café - During the school year we collaborate with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to provide children with healthy meals.  Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. while supplies last.
      >>  Monthly Manga Meetup - Ages 13-18.  Mondays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.Whether you are a fan of manga or interested in learning about it, come to our meeting for great discussion and quirky tie-in activities. Our monthly spotlight titles will be available in the Teen Department. Read the book to discuss, or come for the recap and activities.  Please register.
         
O  From the Parma Branch Library (Powers Blvd.):
      >>  Go here: https://tinyurl.com/CCPL-ParmaCalendar to display their event calendar for the current month.
      >>  The Homework Center is now open - For students K – 8; Monday through Thursday,  4 – 5:15 pm or 5:15 – 6:30 pm. Registration is required; call 440.885.5362 or https://tinyurl.com/HomeworkCenterParma
     >>  ACT Practice Test – Gr 9 – 12; Saturday, Jan. 25: 9:30am - 1:30pm.  The Huntington Learning Center offers an opportunity to take the practice ACT test. Please arrive at 9:15 am, bring No. 2 pencils, a calculator and a snack for break.
     >>  ACT Tips & Results Workshop – Gr 9 – 12 - Tuesday, Feb. 04: 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Receive your results from the January 25th practice ACT test and get tips to improve your score!
      >>  Storytimes – Jan. – Apr.  (Please note time changes.)
> Baby & Me:  Mondays at 10:30 am  > Family Storytime: Mondays at 7:00 pm  >  Toddler:  Tuesdays at 10:30 am  > Toddler & Preschool:  Wednesdays at 10:30 am  > Preschoo:l  Thursdays at 10:30 am;   https://tinyurl.com/StorytimeCCPL

O  From the Parma Hts. Branch Library:
      >>  Go here: https://tinyurl.com/CCPL-ParmaHtsCalendar  to display their event calendar for the current month.